Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
The Boston Celtics made a minor end-of-the-roster transaction Monday, signing Chris Babb to a multi-year deal and releasing Shavlik Randolph.
The guess here is that the Celtics were comfortable with their big-man depth with Jared Sullinger making a surprise return last week. That made Randolph, who played only 25 total minutes in five appearances since being acquired from the Phoenix Suns in mid-January, an expendable player, particularly as an expiring minimum salary for a team comfortably under the luxury tax line.
The Celtics did not disclose details of Babb’s contract, but have used chunks of the mid-level exception in recent years to sign young players to nonguaranteed deals (see also: Chris Johnson). This puts the player under Boston’s control moving forward, while also making them trade assets after the season. The Celtics could spend up to the remaining level of the midlevel exception to sign Babb (or about $1 million after being prorated).
It would be another asset for Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge and his staff to maneuver with as Boston rebuilds its roster.
There’s no quit in Danny Ainge. When the top teams in the league are plotting how they’ll rest key players for the playoffs, he’s out there signing impact players like Chris Babb, a ka The LeBron Neutralizer.
All jokes aside, this non-impact move shows the Celtics are confident that Jared Sullinger’s foot is fully healed.
I love Chris Forsberg, but calling Chris Babb an “asset” is a bit of a stretch. Able body or insurance policy seem like more appropriate terms. But if Babb’s contract helps the C’s put together a package that moves them up in the draft so they can select Duke’s Justise Winslow, I’ll eat crow.
For those concerned about the playoff chase, the Nets beat Portland last night and now sit in the 7th spot, one full game ahead of the Celtics. Indiana and Miami are tied in 9th, a full game behind Boston.
Related: Globe – Babb gets new contract | CSNNE – Cs sign Babb, release Randolph
On Page 2, break out the Senor Frog’s t-shirt, we’re going to Mexico.
As such, it will soon be announced that the club is playing a third international game outside of the league’s footprint. It was reported here in November that the Celts will play preseason games in Milan and Madrid against local teams next October, and sources now say they will play a regular-season game against Sacramento in Mexico City in late November or early December.
The Kings will be the home team in that game, meaning the Celtics still will have 41 dates at the Garden, not including the preseason and playoffs.
Mexico City and its 22,000-plus seat arena have become a regular stop for the NBA. Houston defeated Minnesota there last November, 11 months after smoke from a generator fire forced the cancellation of the Timberwolves’ game against the San Antonio Spurs.
Nothing screams showcase game like a Kings/Celtics tilt in late fall.
And finally, Obama trash talks the Truth.
More Wall on @BarackObama :”He trash-talked Paul (Pierce) when he hit the game-winner. ‘I’m clutch. I’m clutch.’ #WizardsTalk @CSNWizards
— J. Michael (@JMichaelCSN) April 6, 2015
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(h/t CSNNE)
Playing the President is like going against your kids. You have to go easy and let him walk away with a positive memory.
We don’t want the Commander in Chief stewing over some pick-up game while he’s negotiating a nuclear arms agreement with Iran.
The rest of the links:
Herald – JoJo White elected to Hall | CSNNE – Pistons Monroe likely to make return vs Boston | Young making progress in Maine | ESPN Boston – Celtics watch scoreboards amid race |
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